Coach hire for Germany, Switzerland and Austria: how to organise the trip

Why a trip abroad is different

Destinations in Germany, Switzerland and Austria are often far away: an outward journey can take many hours of driving, with night departures or several days of travel. This changes the driver's work, the number of vehicles or drivers needed and therefore the price.

So before writing your request it helps to be clear about the stops, the times and whether the coach has to stay at your disposal during the stay.

Driving times and a second driver

Professional drivers must follow European limits on driving and rest times. In general: after about 4.5 hours of driving a break of at least 45 minutes is required; daily driving is normally limited to 9 hours (10 hours twice a week); the daily rest is normally 11 hours.

In practice, a very long route or a night departure may require two drivers or an overnight stop, and a return trip on the same day over very long distances is generally not possible. This is one reason why prices differ from company to company: always ask how the shifts are organised.

Documents and borders

Germany and Austria are in the Schengen area. Switzerland is also part of Schengen but not of the European Union, so customs checks are possible. Every passenger needs a document valid for travel abroad, kept at hand and not in the luggage hold.

For minors there may be extra requirements. Check the current rules with the official source before leaving and state in the request if there are minors in the group.

Tolls, road taxes and low-emission zones

Tolls and road taxes differ from country to country and depend on the type of vehicle. Many German cities also have low-emission zones that require a sticker: the company must have a vehicle that complies.

In the quote, ask for it to state whether tolls, road taxes and parking are included or listed separately: this is one of the items that most often makes two offers differ.

Driver's meals and accommodation, vehicle at your disposal

If the trip lasts several days, the driver has to eat and sleep: these costs may be included in the price or paid by the group. Ask which solution applies.

Also make clear whether you want only there and back (the coach does not stay at your disposal during the stay) or whether you need it for local transfers: these are two different services with different costs.

What to state in the request

To receive quotes you can compare, write in the form:

• the city and exact point of departure and return;
• intermediate stops, even just to pick up other passengers;
• dates and times, including night-time ones;
• whether the coach stays at your disposal or only does there and back;
• number of passengers and bags;
• a request for a total price including VAT, tolls, parking, and the driver's meals and accommodation.

In the AllBusItalia form there is already a checkbox that adds this request to your notes.

Frequently asked questions